We have had quite a month. So much to catch up on... here we go!
The weekend after our fall getaway, Cori had an OB/HR conference to attend back at BYU. He and his good friends from his MBA program tacked some reunion festivities on either end of the conference. As we were making his travel plans, we realized his trip was falling on a 4-day weekend for the kids. So we decided to make a family trip of it. We got to be a part of the annual pumpkin carving contest and baby Nadia's blessing day. We arrived on Gracie's birthday and she thought it was the best gift of all to spend it with her grandparents and cousins.
Grammy Sandy got a cute cake and there lots of hands to help with presents.
The weather was perfect for pumpkin carving. Sandy and Ray hosted quite the crowd. We ate yummy chili and then made quick work of an impressive pile of pumpkins.
GLORY!
Once our pumpkins were carved the big kids did some judging. Everyone got a certificate and a candy. And then, they got to go shopping in Grammie's store.
We went to church with Uncle Cory and Aunt Brittany. My Cori, who had been busy on campus and up at Sundance up to this point, joined us in time to be part of Nadia's blessing. Then we all gathered and Britt and Cory's to eat and visit. How we love this big crowd of people!
We had nearly the whole clan together for this picture. We are missing Ethan and Joshua, but everyone else is there. And, by the way, Eden's little pose sums her up perfectly these days.
Grant got to have 6-hour-long light saber battles with his cousins everyday we were there. These boys are so darn cute.
There were a few other great highlights to our visit. We got to see the progress being made on the Payson Temple. We drove by just after they placed the angel Moroni. It is such a strikingly beautiful temple.
JJ and I took Grace to BYU campus to tour around a bit and buy her scriptures for her birthday. Megan and Joshua joined us. We spent some happy shopping time in the Wilkinson Center, walked around to see what's new on campus, and then had lunch at the Museum of Art. We walked past Heritage Halls on the way back. Good ol' Bowen Hall is still there. Oh, freshman year - it was so great.
Everynight was a fun slumber party at Grandma's house. I just love this picture. Late night talks in the dark... just the best!
